WARNING RANT: Frustrated at quilting class

[kelliedi]

I started taking a quilting class at LQS 4 weeks ago. It was billed as a beginners class but all levels welcome. I really didn't care because I think we can all learn from each other no matter what the level. We were not given a material list for the classes. I brought what i thought i would need but ended up going back home for a few things because the others ladies didn't bring anything, First week i got to help everyone cut strips for a fence and rail. Second week i got to help sew those strips together. Third week i got to work on mine and then it was decided by the group that we would do a different block every week so that we could learn different blocks and techniques. We were told to bring 7 fabric scraps to make a block, we used 5 . We were then handed a photo copy of the block that was broken down into 4 smaller blocks and just cut them and assemble them like the picture with the sizes given, but wait please notice that i had to change the size on one piece in each block go by the hand written size. (guess who didn't get one with the adjust to the block...yep you got it.) Keep in mind that each week we have had new people join and they have been from people who know how to sew to someone who has never used a rotary cutter before.

I guess i was expecting to be able learn something each week. I feel like the instructor is not instructing but just being there just in case we have an issue. Are all classes like this? Don't get me wrong I LOVE to help newer quilters, i would like to learn also.

This is the first quilting class I have ever taken and I don't want to go back next week because it is just too frustrating. I thought as we went along it would get better it hasn't and i don't want to be a bitch and i realize that there is one instructor and all of us but i just wish she was more organized with her materials requirement for each class. Tonight we were told that next weeks block we would need 3 or four fabrics. I am so tired of lugging what seems like half my sewing room to the LQS just so everyone has the opportunity to do something. I also realize that it is not my responsibility. This is every week.

I;m sorry that this is soooo long, not coherent, and a ramble, i just needed to vent. I do want to know one thing is this the way most classes are done? or what? I just want to decide if i should try a different type of class.

[Mchelem]

Our classes are not like that at all. Beginning quilting is that- introduces you to the implements, how to follow a pattern, etc. we have a handout sheet that says knowledge of xxxx is required. If you do not know these xxxx things, please sign up for sewing 101. And a supply list.

Advanced quilting is for people who have mastered the basics. The instructors teach, and if you're not up to speed, they don't wait and coddle you- you signed up for an advanced class, you should know what is expected. Same thing here-a supply list and knowledge of xxxx is required. If you do not have these skills, please sign up for a different class.

It's to fair for a class for a teacher to not teach, and I don't think experienced students should have to hold back for non experienced unless they choose to.


Try a different class with a different instructor? I am OCD about materials, lists etc. I guess not everyone is prepared like that lol.

[K. McEuen]

Stop doing the instructors job. She should have made a class list for items needed at the beginning of the classes, or at least hand one out for items needed the following week. If someone doesn't have what they need, she should supply it or they could buy it from the quilt store.

It sounds like you've had a lot more responsibility heaped on you, just because you care that others have a good time and you are missing out because of it. You aren't getting paid to teach or supply the class. Let her do her job.

Maybe next time skip the beginner class and take the next level up and it might be a bit more organized.

[Musical_Starling]

I've never attended a class, so I can't comment on whether they are all like that, but I can say that I would be just as frustrated as you are. I would hope that any class would be organized and planned in advance, but obviously from your experience not all are. I don't blame you for not wanting to return, because it seems like you are doing more teaching than learning. Is there anyone you can talk to about the instructor, maybe the owner of your LQS or something?

[GuitarGramma]

Your teacher sounds very disorganized. Since you're frustrated, consider taking a week off, see how you feel, and then make a decision about continuing or not.

[SandyWhite]

Don't go back. Classes aren't supposed to be like this and why do it if you're not having fun. Maybe you should see about getting a partial refund with the shop owner..but really if the dollars aren't that important to you, just avoid that instructor in the future. The thing is, you never know what you are getting. I've had both good and bad. I wouldn't give up on classes. You can learn so much from a good instructor.

[Sharyn J]

You need to speak up. It's not your job to cover the teaching and materials. You're suppose to be there for fun and learning. I once took a serger class at Joann's to learn different techniques. They tried to pack in 12 women into a space for 6. That was bad enough, but then one crazy woman monopolized the class for 2 hours with her constant yells for help. No one else was getting much of anything from the instructor. When we broke for lunch, I announced that there were 11 others who paid for a class and would like some instruction. If she was going to continue for another 2 hours with one woman, I wanted a refund.

The class changed very quickly after the lunch break, however, I'd never take another class there. Find your voice.

[grammakim04]

I've taken several classes and before the first class, everyone was asked to come into the LQS and pick up the handouts from the instructor containing the materials/tools to bring. I've been to beginner & advanced classes and some people were asked to leave the advanced class because the instructor felt they were holding others back and felt they would do better in the beginner's group. I would definitely recommend talking to the owner of the Quilt Shop...I've really enjoyed going to the classes...meeting other quilters and learning new skills...maybe he/she is not aware of what is going on.

[Mpyles]

My LQS classes are nothing like this. When you sign up you get a supply list which includes REQUIRED items and preferred by the instructor...her recommendation.....they are usually right. Then at the bottom it states to bring the items on the list and to not rely on your neighbor for items or help...as they paid for the class to learn as well. It also states to have a working sewing machine, manual to it and to know how to operate as the teacher will not spend time"working" on your machine. Our basics piecing class has a pre-required rotary cutting class. I loved my class when I took it. I learned 4 "methods" and was able to apply it to 12 blocks and I made a sampler quilt with it. They were BASIC blocks....as that was what I signed up for. I have probably taken at least 8 or 9 other classes since on different blocks or patterns. In that time I did have one teacher I didn't care for. She spent the time talking about herself and teaching me very little!!! Sorry for your frustration!!

[pamipatch]

Sorry to hear this, being a long time teacher it peeves me that this is still happening. All they care about is making money instead of setting up structured well organised classes with competent teachers!!

If the owner of the QS is there ask to speak to her, or ask when she'll be there. Tell her what you've told us and ask what she's going to do about it. Let her know you are not only disappointed but also very frustrated at not getting what you signed up for. And if the owner is also the instructor, politely but firmly ask for a refund

Huggs, pami